Timeline Of Annual Events in Durban

Music in the Mountains

The annual Music in the Mountains festival draws lovers of music and nature to the Drakensberg Boys' Choir School where the exceptional voices of the world famous Drakensberg Boys' Choir are showcased. Besides the choir there are also performances by selected South African popular artists, and stalls selling unique handmade products.

The Sardine Run

Every year along the shores stretching from the Cape to Kwazulu Natal, millions of sardines migrate from the cold waters heading to the subtropical temperatures in an awesome underwater spectacle. Comparable only to its land equivalent, the Wildebeest migration in the Serengeti, this amazing occurrence is one of the most unforgettable experiences for those brave enough to get in the water with the predators, including dolphins, seals, sharks and whales, that come out to feed on them. The best way to view the Sardine Run is to get in touch with the many scuba diving companies along the South African coast.

Comrades Marathon

The world's greatest ultra-marathon, the Comrades is a gruelling test over 56 miles (90km) between Durban and Pietermaritzburg every year. The race alternates between the uphill run from Durban and the downhill from Pietermaritzburg, and is a real test of physical endurance. The winners usually take about five and a half hours to complete the course. In 2007 the race will start in Pietermaritzburg and finish in Durban.

Vodacom Durban July

Usually held on the first Saturday of every July, the annual Durban July is South Africa's equivalent of the Royal Ascot in the UK, with superb thoroughbreds, but also high fashion, fine cuisine and elegance. It is the premier horseracing event in the country where the rich and famous go to be seen and is the most talked about social gathering among racing enthusiasts.